Bird Checklists of the United States

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

Dardanelle, Arkansas

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1957 primarily as a wintering
area for migratory waterfowl, and is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Located in the Arkansas River Valley about 8 miles down river from
the town of Dardanelle, the refuge contains 6,174 acres of diversified wildlife
habitat including agricultural fields' mixed forest, irregularly flooded timber,
mudflat, and open water.

Because of the refuge's habitat diversity and a geographical location near
the transitional zone for eastern and western species, a birding visit may
be unusually rewarding. Ducks in numbers often exceeding 30,000 are common
sights funneling into grain fields during December and January. Mallards make
up 90% of the flight but American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, and Green-winged
Teal are also common. Snow and Canada Geese, along with lesser numbers of
Greater White-fronted and Ross' Geese, are usually found resting in the old
river channel or feeding in the wheat, corn, and milo fields along with the
ducks, Bald Eagles frequent the refuge November through March and occasional
Golden Eagles may also be observed. These magnificent birds perch regally
on solitary large trees scattered throughout the farm unit and along the river
bank, The Greater Roadrunner resides in limited numbers and the Scissor-tailed
Flycatcher is common from spring through fall. Northern Bobwhites and Mourning
Doves find the farmland and edges to be ideal year round as do seasonal residents
or migrants such as Bobolinks and many species of sparrows. A variety of herons,
egrets, and shorebirds frequent the pool and mudflats. Seven species of owls,
including Burrowing and Long-eared, have occurred in proper habitat on the
refuge. Numerous vireos, warblers, buntings, and orioles inhabit the woodlands
especially during migration and some remain to nest.

Ethics for Birdwatching

Take care not to disturb nesting birds. This exposes eggs and young to extreme
temperatures and predation.

Disturb wintering wildlife as little as possible, particularly during critical
feeding and resting periods. They need all of their energy reserves to withstand
the stresses of harsh weather and migration.

Do not litter. Many birds die when they become entangled in fishing
lines, 6-pack rings and other trash, or when they mistake garbage for food.

How to use your checklist

The bird checklist was designed to be informative and simple to use. This
checklist includes 240 species of birds and is based on observations by refuge
personnel and visiting ornithologists. If you should find an unlisted species,
please let us know at Refuge Headquarters. We appreciate your help in updating
our records.

We sincerely hope your time spent here will be enjoyable and that you will
return again soon.

Symbols which appear in this checklist represent the following:

Seasonal appearance

Sp - Spring - March to May
S - Summer - June to August
F - Fall - September to November
W - Winter - December to February

Seasonal abundance

a - abundant: a common species which is very numerous
c - common: certain to be seen in suitable habitat
u - uncommon: present but not certain to be seen
o - occasional: seen only a few times during a season
r - rare: seen at intervals of 2 to 5 years